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Streaky Colvin in down cycle on road trip

Streaky Colvin in down cycle on road trip

DENVER -- Rockies outfielder Tyler Colvin is experiencing the flip side of being a streaky hitter.

Colvin had good at-bats and hit with power immediately after being called up from Triple-A Colorado Springs on June 8. But during the current road trip, he is 0-for-14 with a walk.

Some of it has been difficult pitching matchups, such as the 0-for-4 exhibition with two strikeouts against Nationals standout Jordan Zimmermann on Thursday night. To regain his groove, Colvin showed up at Nationals Park early on Friday to take live swings against rehabbing right-handed closer Rafael Betancourt.

With Betancourt close to recovered from his right groin injury, Colvin was able to face a well-spotted fastball and a nasty slider.

"It's always good to see live stuff like that," said Colvin, whose average has dropped to .189 with three home runs and nine RBIs through 11 games. "It helps to go out there and get timing off a pitcher who is using a leg kick, instead of just taking batting practice.

"I've faced some tough guys and haven't done too well. When you face tough guys, you can't get behind on them."